Much Ado About Mulch!
In the spring, a homeowner’s thoughts turn to mulching. And why not? When done correctly, it’s a very beneficial thing to do for your plants and trees. But just what exactly is mulching, and what does it do?
Mulch is an organic material that you spread over your soil.
The Best Materials for Mulch
There are all sorts of materials you can use for your mulch. It’s a good idea to be well-informed about these, so you’ll know which ones will best suit your needs. First of all, remember that decomposed, natural and organic products add vital nutrients to your soil and are always preferable to synthetic, manufactured materials you may find in stores.
Not all natural materials are created equal. For instance, dry leaves and grass trimmings may not be as effective as other types. Compost and wood chips from tree bark work nicely. Even the bark comes in different forms. You can get bark chunks or shredded bark. The shredded bark is the cheapest, but you’ll have to replace it more often because it’s so light it can blow away easily. Sometimes it’s better to pay a little more for better quality mulch. Sometimes, too, wood chips can use up nitrogen from the soil, depriving your plants. That’s why it’s important to know what types of plants and soil you have, so you’ll know what works best. Or call on professionals who will already know.
The Benefits of Mulch
So now that you have a brief overview of the types of mulch out there, the question is, why do you need to mulch?
Covering the soil near the base of plants and trees locks in moisture and reduces evaporation, which helps to keep them healthy for a long time. For this reason, mulching also helps you to save on your water bill, because you won’t have to water your plants as frequently.
Mulching helps to control your soil temperature, keeping it nice and cool—optimum conditions for continued growth and overall health.
In order for mulching to improve the health of your trees, be sure to spread a layer about two to four inches deep near the tree base. To prevent fungus and root rot, be sure to put your mulch about 12 to 24 inches away from the tree trunk.
Mulching is aesthetically pleasing, making your yard or landscape look lush and healthy. The mulch fills in any empty spaces or gaps that can be unsightly.
In addition to the many benefits, the right mulch can even prevent unwanted pests from invading your yard. For example, Cedar Bark is a natural insect repellent. To keep other insects away, it’s a good idea to use mulch that has a strong fragrance. But be careful, because some types of mulch material will actually attract bugs. It WILL attract earthworms, and this is a good thing, because these creatures are known to be good for your soil.
Last but not least, mulch is so easy to maintain. While regular grass requires constant mowing and watering, mulch is simple to care for and won’t complete with any of your other plantings.
Keep checking our blog for more spring tips! And happy mulching!
The Veron Company is your partner in perfect landscaping. We’re dedicated to providing organic, environmentally-friendly and beautiful landscaping, as well as other services. Contact us today to let us go to work for you!
The Veron Company, serving Marlborough, Massachusetts and surrounding areas, including Cape Cod since 1982.
